The Brit, who’s won the early season Classic for the past two years, is hoping to save himself for Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders rather than peak too soon into the season, as happened last season.

Van Poppel will have to wait to make his first appearance in Sky’s black and blue jersey, and says the delay is frustrating.

“I could hardly ride because of the pain,” he told NU.nl. “When I went out with the team, I was in the shower after ten minutes. It’s very tricky, but fortunately I have the right people around me to stay positive.”